For their part, Switzerland proved to be more than a handful for France during the qualifiers, while South Korea’s performance in Asia has earned them everyone’s respect.

AFTER failing to qualify for France ’98 and Korea/Japan 2002, Switzerland made amends for missing out on the previous two FIFA World Cup finals by claiming a place at the 2006 tournament in neighbouring Germany.

WITH THE 2002 FIFA World Cup now a fond memory, Korea Republic face a tall order in trying to emulate the achievement of reaching the semi-finals on home soil when they travel to Germany for their sixth successive finals appearance.

IF TOGO were unlikely contenders for a first FIFA World Cup finals place at the outset of their campaign, then their first three qualifiers did little to alter that impression.

ON JULY 12 1998, Les Bleus ignited France with a fire that burned on for days when they took Brazil apart in a sensational 3-0 FIFA World Cup final victory on home soil.

FRANCE Group: G Location: Central Europe Team Colours: Red, white and blue Opening game: June 13, vs Switzerland, Stuttgart World Ranking: No 8 How qualified: Won UEFA Group 4, winning only five of ten games. World Cup History: The French are playing in their 11th World Cup, which includes a championship title in 1998. Coach: Raymond Domen(...)